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GAUDRON Marine

Advisor - Territorial Cohesion & Local Finances

GAUDRON Marine
In Impact community Cohesion, Press

Cohesion Alliance

Cohesion Alliance - News 2020

#CohesionAlliance mobilises to back the European Parliament in the final stretch to secure a strong and participated cohesion policy 2021-2027

The #CohesionAlliance partner organisations met online to discuss the current state of the trilogue negotiations of the cohesion policy package with representatives from the European Parliament, the European Commission and the German Council Presidency. The partner organisations representing cities, regions and regional assemblies voiced their concern about macroeconomic conditionality, the risk of centralisation and the full implementation of cohesion and REACT EU programmes over the upcoming years.

The negotiations between European Parliament and Council on the rules for cohesion policy 2021-27 are entering the final phase. Cities, townsand regions and the European Parliament have converged on key demands and successfully advocated for strong cohesion policy beyond 2020. 

“Concluding the negotiations on all cohesion policy programmes is more urgent than ever. It’s less than one months until Christmas, so national governments should stop playing games and listen to its cities and regions. A delay in the negotiations on the cohesion policy regulation risks a postponement of the start of programmes. This would have a direct impact on our citizens, who urgently rely on the EU support. These funds are essential for local and regional authorities to take action against the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and accelerate a sustainable and socially-fair recovery“, said Isabelle Boudineau, Chair of the Commission for Territorial Cohesion Policy and EU Budget (COTER) of the European Committee of the Regions.

Younous Omarjee, MEP, Chair of the REGI committee: “The European Union is going through an economic and social crisis on an unprecedented scale. The conditions for recovery in 2021 are unknown. More than ever, cohesion policy must be powerful, because today what is threatening is the distortion of economies and divergence. The logic of cohesion and solidarity must take precedence over that of competition. The principles of cohesion must be at the heart of the recovery, and we must plead for a recovery that is sustainable, but also fair and equitable.”

During the debate with Marc Lemaitre, Director-General DG REGIO, European Commission, and Heinz Hetmeier, Deputy Director-General for European Economic Policy, EU Structural and State Aid Policy, and Twinning at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, the #CohesionAlliance partners voiced their concern about some remaining key issues in this last phase of the negotiations. In particular, towns, cities and regions worry that macroeconomic conditionality introduces significant uncertainty on future investment once the Growth and Stability Pact comes back into force. Furthermore, a narrow definition of the scope of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) would make key investment ineligible and an ill-conceived flexibility would allow for centralisation and weakening of key tools such as the European Social Fund. 

At the same time, managing authorities will face significant implementation challenges as the new programmes 2021-2027 will run in parallel with the current prolonged programmes 2014-2020. The #CohesionAlliance partners therefore call on the European Parliament and the Council to simplify the new regulations as much as possible as well to speed up their adoption. 

Further interventions from the conference (alphabetical order): 

• Magnus Berntsson, President of the Assembly of European Regions (AER): “In this crisis, it is time to practice the leadership that our citizens expect from the EU and national governments. Time to promote new jobs, competitiveness, sustainable and inclusive growth to drive the recovery. To achieve this, funding must reach our regions, villages and cities immediately. And they must have a say in how best to use the funds.”

• Wim Dries, Mayor of Genk and member of the Policy Committee of Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR): “Even when all Member States will agree in the Council, Europe’s next long-term budget and Recovery Plan will still have to go through parliaments to become fully adopted and operational. The resulting delay will clash with our urgent needs, in terms of public services delivery and finances. National associations of local and regional governments can help convey the urgency of swift local action to our parliaments.”

• Karl-Heinz Lambertz, President of the Association of European Border Regions (AEBR): “The difficulties for recovery in regions with different pre-existing handicaps such as border regions, peripheral, sparsely populated, mountainous, etc., should be considered when planning the allocation of new or extended EU programmes. Territorial cooperation programmes and a new generation of integrated territorial instruments should receive the necessary inputs to accelerate the economic recovery of all territories of the EU and, thus, serve as laboratories for a strengthened European integration. The participation of local and regional authorities and stakeholders in the design and management of these programmes will mean a better identification of the needs to address and the best way to proceed, adding a great value to their implementation while guaranteeing high-quality delivery.“

• Ricardo Rio, Mayor of Braga and member of the Executive Committee of EUROCITIES: “We can maximise the impact of future investments, if we target the local needs in times of crisis. For this to happen, cities must have a seat at the table when the decisions about programming priorities are taken. When we work closely together across levels of government, we can ensure that cohesion policy is invested where it makes a positive difference to the quality of life locally.“

• Ana Martinez Vidal, Vice-President of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) and Regional Minister of the Region of Murcia: “As Cohesion Alliance Partners, we should keep our efforts to voice the view of the local and regional authorities. A sustainable economic recovery will only be achieved if local and regional authorities have a central role in designing and delivering the investments under the Recovery and Resilience Facility. The Partnership principle and multilevel governance become more important than ever.”

GAUDRON Marine
In Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Press, Publications, Territorial development, Territorial development

Empowering Europe’s rural future

Cohesion Policy Alliance - News 2020

CEMR urges inclusive, place-based vision for rural territories 

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As the European Union shapes its long-term vision for rural areas, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) calls for a fresh, inclusive approach that recognises rural territories as vibrant, diverse, and essential to Europe’s sustainable future. 

In a context shaped by post-COVID realities, demographic shifts, and the need for climate resilience, CEMR stresses that rural areas must no longer be seen as peripheral or left behind. Over 50% of Europeans live in rural or peri-urban territories, yet these areas still face gaps in investment, connectivity, and access to services. 

CEMR’s position lays out a clear path forward: 

  • Shift the narrative: Rural areas are not just agricultural zones in decline, but places of opportunity, well-being, and innovation. A positive and modern image must be promoted across all levels of government. 
  • Invest in connections: Better transport links, broadband access, and energy infrastructure are key to rural inclusion. Public investment must step in where market failures persist. 
  • Strengthen local governance: Municipalities and regions are best placed to tailor solutions to their rural communities. They must be true partners in designing and delivering EU and national policies. 
  • Support rural services and quality of life: Equal access to health, education, culture, and mobility is crucial to prevent depopulation and ensure territorial cohesion. 
  • Target EU funding more effectively: Cohesion Policy, CAP, Horizon Europe, and recovery instruments must better support rural-specific needs, with simplified access for small municipalities. 
  • Foster youth engagement and gender equity: Making rural areas attractive for young people, women, and families will require tailored policies and investment in social infrastructure. 

CEMR calls on the EU, Member States, and institutions like the OECD and Council of Europe to take these principles seriously and to build rural policies that are integrated, inclusive, and future-focused. From tourism and energy to local governance and public services, rural areas must be seen as full contributors to Europe’s social and territorial fabric. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

GAUDRON Marine
In Impact community Cohesion

Cohesion Alliance

Cohesion Policy Alliance - News 2020

Cohesion and partnership must be the driving force for European recovery

The #Cohesion Alliance – an EU-wide alliance of 12,000 signatories calling for a stronger cohesion policy after 2020 – welcomes the European Commission’s revised 2021–2027 EU budget and Recovery Plan proposals including the extension of the current cohesion programmes with increased flexibility and additional funding.

However, the Alliance urges the European Commission and Member States to ensure the involvement of cities, municipalities and regions and maintain a strong focus on cohesion in all recovery measures, aimed at rebuilding the economy, fostering sustainability and strengthening the territorial and social fabric of our Union, including in the European Semester process. 

The EU’s Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF) and Recovery Plan must focus on cohesion as a fundamental value of the European Union, to pursue major challenges such as the European Green Deal, the Sustainable Development Goals, the European Pillar of Social Rights as well as the digital transformation. In the current crisis, cities, municipalities and regions need the direct support of a strong cohesion policy more than ever to prevent widening territorial disparities and an asymmetric recovery as Member States have different financial means to address the current economic and social challenges.

The #CohesionAlliance welcomes the European Commission’s proposal to ensure the role of Cohesion policy as a strong EU long-term investment policy, as well as the investment of 55 bn EUR (2018 prices) through REACT-EU to provide an effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its social and economic consequences. The extension of the current Operational Programmes will allow for a quick implementation of crucial investment.

In addition, the increased flexibility for transferring resources between funds and the widening of scope to support the health services, tourism and culture sectors as well as to provide working capital to SMEs will help local and regional governments invest money where it is most needed, provided that it fully respects the cohesion core principles.

The Alliance is nevertheless concerned that without consideration for the diverse needs of regions, cities and municipalities as well as strong involvement of local actors, the Recovery and Resilient Facility – which is the most powerful investment tool of the EU recovery plans – is at risk of failure. For now, most measures are only directed to Member States without clarifying how much say local and regional authorities would have in revising programmes and in spending resources.

The strong link of the Facility to the European Semester and to country specific recommendations can lead to a further centralisation of the recovery plans. The Alliance urges all EU and national institutions – and in particular EU Reforms and Cohesion Commissioner Elisa Ferreira – to take the needed steps to ensure that the national plans for recovery and resilience comply with the Partnership Principle, respond to the real needs of citizens and businesses and allow for stronger and more structured involvement of local and regional authorities.

The #CohesionAlliance partner organisations have put forward their priorities in a new draft declaration affirming cohesion as a fundamental value of the European Union and a key objective for all its policies and investment. The partners of the Cohesion Alliance 2.0 will launch the new declaration during their next meeting in early June.

GAUDRON Marine
In EU budget, EU budget, Governance, Governance, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Local finances, Local finances, Press, Publications, Territorial development

COVID impact on local finances 

COVID 19 finances - News

A Europe-wide snapshot of the pandemic’s fiscal impact on municipalities and regions, and what support is still missing  

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The COVID-19 pandemic placed local and regional governments at the frontline of public health response in Europe. While ensuring safety, maintaining essential services, and supporting vulnerable populations, these governments were simultaneously burdened with spiralling costs and plummeting revenues. A survey conducted by the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) in May 2020 offers critical insight into the financial distress faced by cities and municipalities across 17 European countries. 

The survey reveals a dual pressure on local and regional finances: soaring expenditures, primarily for personal protective equipment, sanitation, and social support and sharp declines in revenue due to reduced economic activity. Tax revenues, municipal service fees, and income from the cultural and tourism sectors were severely impacted. For example, Bulgaria saw a 41% decrease in municipal income from its own sources, and Austria faced estimated municipal revenue losses between €900 million and €2 billion. 

While local authorities acted swiftly, organising food deliveries, providing accommodation for healthcare workers, and ensuring online education, support from national governments was slow and often insufficient. Although a few countries, like Estonia and Germany, implemented meaningful aid measures, most national support was delayed, limited, or only promised in future budget cycles. 

Many governments, like in France and Sweden, pledged support, but uncertainty remains about the long-term sustainability of subnational budgets. Furthermore, the varied structure of local financing systems across Europe means that the financial impact differs widely between countries and even among municipalities within the same country. 

The CEMR report makes it clear: without timely and adequate support from national and European levels, local and regional governments risk losing the capacity to invest in recovery and sustainable development. To prevent a prolonged post-pandemic investment slump, EU funds, especially from the Recovery and Resilience Facility, must be made directly accessible to local authorities. 

Only by empowering municipalities can Europe hope to achieve its long-term goals for resilience, cohesion, and sustainability. Now is the time for stronger multilevel cooperation and for the EU to acknowledge the central role of local and regional governments in shaping recovery. 

Read the study here 

For more information, contact: 

GAUDRON Marine
In EU budget, EU budget, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Local finances, Local finances, Press, Publications, Territorial development, Territorial development

Strong Budget, Strong Cohesion 

Cohesion Policy Alliance - News 2021

CEMR urges EU leaders to secure an ambitious long-term budget that empowers local and regional governments 

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As EU leaders prepare to decide on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) calls for a robust budget and a cohesion policy that keeps local and regional governments at its core. 

The need for an ambitious MFF 

CEMR stresses that ambitious European goals, sustainable development, the Green Deal, and social inclusion, cannot be delivered without a strong budget. Any further cuts to cohesion policy, such as those recently proposed, would undermine Europe’s ability to meet its commitments. Local and regional governments, as the key actors implementing EU policies on the ground, rely on a timely agreement to ensure a smooth transition to the next funding period. 

Just Transition and partnership 

CEMR welcomes the creation of a Just Transition Fund to support regions in the shift towards a low-carbon economy. However, these new measures must come with additional funding, not at the expense of cohesion policy. Equally vital is the Partnership Principle, which guarantees that municipalities and regions are directly involved in programming and implementing EU funds. This principle must remain a cornerstone of cohesion policy. 

Europe’s ambitions will only succeed if local and regional governments have the tools to deliver them. A strong MFF, safeguarded cohesion funding, and reinforced partnership are the foundations of a Europe closer to its citizens. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

GAUDRON Marine
In EU budget, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Local finances, Press, Publications, Territorial development, Territorial development

The future of EU cohesion policy

Cohesion Policy - News Section

CEMR opens dialogue on reforming EU Cohesion Policy post-2020 to better support local and regional development

Read full statement here

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), representing over 100,000 local and regional authorities across Europe, has launched an early contribution to the debate on the future of EU Cohesion Policy. With discussions on the post-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework already underway, CEMR stresses the importance of adapting Cohesion Policy to ensure it continues delivering economic, social and territorial cohesion for all communities. 

CEMR proposes three possible scenarios: maintaining the current system, introducing incremental improvements such as simplification and stronger partnerships, or pursuing a more fundamental reform through the creation of a single territorial development fund. These options aim to make Cohesion Policy more effective, accessible, and transparent. 

At the core of its opening statement, CEMR outlines five guiding principles for reform: 

  1. Integrated and simplified – moving beyond silos towards more coherent funding instruments. 
  1. Inclusive – ensuring stronger bottom-up partnerships and local ownership. 
  1. Result-oriented – focusing on impact and outcomes rather than only expenditure. 
  1. Relevant and flexible – aligning priorities with territorial realities and avoiding excessive thresholds. 
  1. For all territories – safeguarding equitable support, especially for less developed regions. 
  2. This statement marks the beginning of a dialogue between CEMR, its members, and the EU institutions. By placing local and regional governments at the heart of the debate, CEMR seeks to shape a Cohesion Policy that is more integrated, inclusive and effective, ensuring no territory is left behind in the next programming period. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

GAUDRON Marine
In Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Press, Publications, Territorial development

Cohesion policy at risk 

Cohesion Policy Alliance - News 2021

CEMR outlines 10 key messages on the future of cohesion policy and calls for stronger territorial and partnership approaches 

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The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) has set out ten key messages on the European Commission’s proposals for the future of cohesion policy. While welcoming steps towards simplification, CEMR warns against funding cuts, weakened territorial approaches and the exclusion of rural development from cohesion policy. 

Protecting territorial and partnership principles 

CEMR stresses that the Partnership Principle must be enforced across all regulations, ensuring that local and regional governments have a meaningful role in designing and implementing programmes. Equally, the territorial approach should not be sidelined but mainstreamed across all policy objectives of cohesion policy, including ESF+ and CAP rural development. 

Ensuring flexibility and capacity 

The proposals must safeguard the possibility of multi-fund approaches such as Community Led Local Development (CLLD) and Integrated Territorial Investments (ITI). Local and regional governments also need more flexibility to set investment priorities according to local needs, backed by sufficient resources for capacity building and technical assistance. 

Avoiding harmful reductions 

CEMR warns that cohesion policy risks losing its integrated character if funding is fragmented or reduced. Particular concern is raised over cuts to European Territorial Cooperation (INTERREG), which plays a vital role in fostering cross-border, transnational and interregional cooperation. 

Conclusion 

CEMR calls on EU institutions to ensure that the next Multiannual Financial Framework preserves cohesion policy as a strong, place-based instrument, rooted in partnership and territorial development, capable of addressing Europe’s diverse challenges. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

GAUDRON Marine
In EU budget, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Society, Press, Publications, Territorial development, Territorial development

Protecting regional solidarity funds 

Investing in Europe - News

CEMR warns against budget cuts and calls for strong, ambitious cohesion policy at the heart of Europe’s future 

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At its Policy Committee meeting in Bilbao (11 June 2018), the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) adopted a declaration on the European Commission’s proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). While the proposals maintain cohesion policy interventions in all European regions, CEMR highlights serious concerns about the reduced ambition and risks for Europe’s territories. 

Risks of a reduced budget 

The proposed 7% cut to cohesion policy represents more than a financial adjustment: it risks undermining the EU’s ability to deliver on key priorities such as climate action, social inclusion and economic development. CEMR stresses that cohesion policy is not just another programme, but an objective enshrined in the EU Treaties and central to the Union’s DNA. 

Safeguarding cohesion and partnership 

CEMR calls for cohesion policy to remain focused on territorial, economic and social cohesion, not diluted by unrelated measures such as public administration reforms. It also warns that new provisions risk weakening integrated territorial development by creating further divisions between funding streams such as the ERDF and ESF+. At the same time, local and regional governments must not be penalised for decisions taken at national or EU level within the European Semester. 

A modernised but ambitious approach 

CEMR welcomes efforts towards simplification, flexibility and sound financial management. However, the organisation insists that modernisation cannot come at the cost of ambition. Local and regional governments, the main investors in cohesion policy sectors, must be closely involved in shaping and implementing programmes through strong partnership agreements. 

Looking ahead 

As negotiations continue, CEMR urges that the future cohesion policy reflect the EU’s broader commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals, climate action and the European Pillar of Social Rights. Europe’s capacity to meet these challenges depends on empowering its municipalities and regions, placing them at the heart of the European project. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

GAUDRON Marine
In Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Press, Publications, Territorial development, Territorial development

Shaping the future of cohesion

Head Banner - Cohesion Post

CEMR outlines 14 key reforms for a more inclusive, place-based EU policy 

Read full position paper

As the EU prepares the next programming period, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is calling for a stronger role for local and regional governments in shaping and delivering cohesion policy. 

In a new position paper, CEMR presents 14 key recommendations to improve the way EU funds are managed on the ground, making them simpler, more flexible, and better suited to the needs of Europe’s territories. 

Key priorities include: 

  • A guaranteed budget for cohesion policy to meet EU goals like the Green Deal and the Sustainable Development Goals. 
  • Stronger partnerships between the EU, national, and local authorities, with clear responsibilities and joint agreements. 
  • Simpler rules and more flexibility to reflect local realities, especially in rural or less-developed areas. 
  • Improved access to funding through a “one-stop-shop” system and support for small municipalities. 
  • A new capacity-building tool to help local authorities manage and deliver EU funds more effectively. 

CEMR also warns against replacing grants with loans and calls for more manageable audits and controls, especially for small projects. 

Why it matters: 

Cohesion policy is a key pillar of EU solidarity, helping to reduce inequalities and support green and social transitions. But local governments often face too much red tape and too little say in how the funds are used. 

With these recommendations, CEMR urges EU institutions to design a place-based, inclusive cohesion policy, one that truly works with and for Europe’s territories. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

GAUDRON Marine
In Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Local finances, Local finances, Press, Publications, Territorial development

Backing local investment 

Local Investment

Municipalities, cities and regions urge the EU to support long-term local investments through flexible financial rules

Read full letter here

Municipalities, cities and regions are the backbone of Europe’s future prosperity. Their ability to invest in sustainable infrastructure and services is crucial for creating jobs, driving growth, and enhancing resilience. Yet, current financial and budgetary rules too often limit their capacity to invest for the long term. In response, POLIS, CEMR and EUROCITIES have come together to call on EU institutions to support local governments by creating more flexibility in investment frameworks. 

Representing thousands of local and regional governments across Europe, the three organisations underline that resilient territories must have the financial capacity to adapt and grow in the face of social, economic and environmental challenges. Quality local investments in services, mobility, housing and infrastructure trigger private investment and support sustainable economic recovery. 

To make this possible, they urge EU institutions to take key actions: 

  • Ensure local and regional investment is included in the European Commission’s future plans for economic governance. 
  • Encourage the European Parliament to highlight barriers to local investment. 
  • Call on the European Council to create leeway for local investments within the Stability and Growth Pact. 
  • Invite Eurostat to treat long-term investment debt differently from operating expenditure. 
  • Adapt EU funds and financial instruments, such as EFSI, to better fit local needs. 

As local leaders stress, the EU must adapt its financial rules to enable sustainable long-term investments. Whether it is modernising infrastructure, supporting mobility, or creating jobs, empowering local and regional governments to invest is crucial for Europe’s growth and cohesion. A more flexible approach to fiscal rules will ensure that Europe’s recovery and future prosperity start at the local level. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

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